Behavior

Dear Parents,

In order to achieve an environment that is the best for growth-both academically and socially, I am utilizing the following discipline plan in my classroom.

Classroom Agreements

1. We all agree to be friends.

2. We all agree to have good behavior.

3. We all agree to do our best.

If a student does not follow our classroom agreements, after one or more verbal warnings, the consequences are as follows:

1st Consequence	The student is asked to go to the “Thinking Spot” or “Safe Spot” for a few minutes. During this time the student will be thinking about their actions and what they will do differently next time. They will lose five minutes of Activity Period time and not receive a ticket. This will be colored yellow on their Behavior Folder.
2nd Consequence	The student is asked to go to a “Buddy Room.” This room is another First Grade teacher’s room. While in here, they will be either working on their assignment or an apology letter. If they are asked to go to a buddy room, they will lose ten minutes of their Activity Period time and will have to PAY me one ticket. This will be colored red on their Behavior Folder.
3rd Consequence	The student will go to the office to visit with either Ms. Koeppen or Ms. Wood about the situation. The student will lose all of their Activity Period time and will have to PAY me two tickets. If a student is sent here, a note of a call home will be made. This will be colored blue on their Behavior Folder.

In case of an incident deemed severe, the student will immediately be moved to the 3rd Consequence. If a child is often reaching the second or third consequence, I will call or send a note regarding the behavior. I feel that it is extremely important that disruptive behavior in the classroom be dealt with quickly, consistently, and with respect for all involved. As a classroom teacher, my effectiveness is greatly diminished if time that could be spent teaching is used to correct misbehaviors. I want the children to feel their classroom is a safe and happy learning environment.

Good Behaviors

In my classroom, we have a ‘Classroom Store.’ Each day a child receives a green day (which means they had no problems) they will receive a ticket. These tickets are then used to purchase items during our Classroom Store on Fridays. I also reward students for their good and improving behavior in a variety of ways such as certificates, stickers, edible treats, and extra free time. I also reward the class as a whole. I realize it is important to recognize those students that attempt to follow the rules. I know sometimes it seems that the children that follow the rules receive less attention, and I want the children to know that I do notice their efforts and appreciate the positive effect their good behavior has on the classroom.

I think that the partnership between teacher and parents can greatly increase a child’s success in school. I hope you will feel free to contact me with any concerns that you may have.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Duerksen

Here is a guide to the colors on your child’s Behavior Calendar. The Behavior Calendar comes home on a weekly basis, usually on the last day of the week.

Color	Meaning
Green	Good Day. No Problems.
Yellow	Reached the 1st Consequence
Red	Reached the 2nd Consequence
Blue	Reached the 3rd Consequence